Background: Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis commonly seen over face. This condition is more commoner in females. Knowing about the etiology is necessary which helps in further treatment, dermoscopic pattern further helps to know the type of melasma and to know the response to treatment on follow up also helps differentiate from conditions like ochrnosis, lichen planus pigmentosus, riels melanosis. Aim: To find out the various etiological and contributing factors leading to melasma in males as there is paucity of data. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study in which 100 male patients with melasma belonging to the age group 20 to 55 years were selected. Detailed clinical history was taken according to well structured proforma which specifically included history of occupation, number of hours of sun exposure, family history, use any of any topical or systemic mediations, history of any chronic illness. Following which woods lamp, dermoscopy and investigations were done. Results: 60 patients were out door workers among which 38 had 4-6 hours of sun exposure and 22 had 2-4 hours of sun exposure. 31 had family history of melasma, 8 had history of usage of topical steroid creams over hyperpigmented area and 1patient was under phenytoin usage. Malar melasma was seen in 63 patients, centrofacial melasma was seen in 30 patients and mandibular is seen in 7 patients. Anemia and low testosterone levels was seen in 4 patients. Limitation: Genetic are not done, which would help to known the genes responsible for genetic predisposition. Conclusion: melasma is seen more commonly seen in fourth decade of life, in people with Fitzpatrick type 4 skin type. Sun exposure is the major contributing factor.

Keywords : Melasma, Men, Clinico Etiological Study.